Few can envy new Ball State University President Paul Ferguson's undertaking to fill two highly important vacancies — treasurer and athletic director.

It's vital to fill these positions with qualified and effective leaders who will help chart the course of the university for years to come — provided the right person is hired for each position.

You'll recall Randy Howard, vice president for business affairs and treasurer, announced last July he was leaving on the heels of President Jo Ann Gora's retirement. Howard said the decision had nothing to do with the hiring of Ferguson. It came amid revelations the university's former director of cash and investments, Gale Prizevoits, had lost $13.1 million in university funds to bogus investments. No one from the university has been charged, but an investigation is ongoing.

Athletic Director Bill Scholl announced a few weeks ago he was taking a similar position at Marquette after a two-year tenure at Ball State, where he made key coaching hires and helped bolster the standing of university athletics.

Both positions are obviously important, but for different reasons.

Besides being good with figures and budgets, Ball State needs a treasurer who can help restore confidence in the wake of the financial swindle. University officials have assured us that checks have been put in place to make a repeat occurrence highly unlikely. We hope so.

Treasurers at most sizable universities toil in relative obscurity, which is a good thing because it indicates things are running smoothly. That was the case here until the financial scam came to light. To his credit, Howard was forthcoming with the media after the missing funds became public, but questions about what transpired will linger until an investigation is completed.

Ball State's new treasurer must take steps to win back confidence from inside and outside the campus.

Arguably, filling the AD position carries greater weight because, as Ferguson told The Star Press, "Athletics is the front porch to the university." We agree.

The long-term success of Ball State attracting quality students in large part will determine what kind of teams the university puts on the field, especially football and basketball. Get it wrong, and it can take years to unravel the damage.

Get it right, and Ball State's stature will rise, not just in sports polls, but with students deciding upon which college to place on their short list of prospects. That includes students, especially, who have no intention of playing sports.

Ferguson said he wants Ball State to win, but he expects high standards for student-athletes, compliance with rules and fielding competitive teams.

Whoever fills the AD position must build upon Scholl's considerable successes, which include spearheading a $20 million capital campaign to upgrade athletic facilities. He's changed the public perception of the men's and women's basketball programs for the better.

Ball State must be competitive in the Mid-American Conference by leading the divisions, contending for championships and earning berths in significant post season tournaments. Scholl's successor must build upon a strong foundation.

President Ferguson faces difficult challenges leading campaigns to fill these positions. We don't envy the task. The good news is we think he's more than ready to meet these challenges and find the right people to help lead Ball State.